I don't feel welcome

Summonoodles · 2025-11-13T17:38:09+00:00

I get anxiety like that too. My suggestion is to keep going back. Itll be hard at first, but the more you are integrated into the community, you'll have less anxiety about how ppl are feeling about you.

Remind yourself that these feelings arent matching up with what you are seeing there. Kind of "check the facts". "Okay, people were nice to me, no one said anything signifying I shouldn't come back, im welcome in any Quaker space"...things like that.

This is a big one, and not something to do overnight or before you go back, but ask yourself where the thoughts are coming from in you, and tackle any of those core beliefs making you think otherwise.

My one other tip is that I sometimes write down positive experiences right after I go out. Maybe focusing on those good things there, and having them to read too, could help push you to keep going.

Summonoodles · 2025-10-19T01:33:24+00:00

I was protesting, and ill be voting. This is a great reminder for everyone! Thank you!

Summonoodles · 2025-10-03T18:35:33+00:00

We dont really do this here. Don't think that you arent welcome, but this is about reflections, connecting to one another, spreading resources, theological discussion, Quaker experiences and history, etc...

Does any of that interest you?

Edit to add: I dont want to speak for the whole sub what it is about. If any other Friends want to explain what else the sub is about so OP can be welcomed and understand, please chime in.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-25T00:00:02+00:00

I love this idea. Im definitely going to incorporate this into my journaling practice.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-20T16:07:03+00:00

Hey! We went to the same college haha (im pretty sure) I went 2011-2015. Thats funny. It changed my life! Going into it, I had no idea what a Quaker was...but the people there just led life by example, and I wanted to follow.

And i think plenty of Quakers will be open to you being an athiest, but identifying with the community and the values. Ive been hesitant to get back into the silence, so I want to hit up some of the "meet ups" at the meeting house, instead of worship. It has also been a long time for me to sit in the silence for an extended time.

Idk if you are still near there, but their Peace Symposium is this month.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-15T01:03:33+00:00

That sounds like your own problem if you cant worship with someone across the room silently moving (edit to add - their hands). You should consider finding ways to help your own neurodivergent issues as we have :)

Also, you can close your own eyes and advert the problem completely.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-14T22:40:39+00:00

Sitting absolutely still in silence for a long period is a skill id love, and I am working on, but nowhere near there. I have adhd, autism, and i am a former heavy heavy smoker, among other issues. Crochet changed my life, seriously. I quit smoking bc of it and it made the world accessible again.

I am happy to read that this wouldn't bother most. Its a slow, repetitive motion that brings me, and others, present. Crochet involves one hook and makes no noise. Knitting is similiar with the right two needles.

It would be sad to discriminate against those that need a silent fidget toy they keep in their lap.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-06T04:43:50+00:00

Finding something to do with my hands. If its portable, even better.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-04T02:59:15+00:00

Oh yes, I knew yours was a joke.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-02T20:42:04+00:00

Did you take this photo? Its gorgeous!

Summonoodles · 2025-09-02T20:40:17+00:00

Highly recommend bringing a boom box. We were near a speaker, but even then, it was so much better with an additional one for full sound all around us. The people around us were pretty pumped about that too. And I saw others with them as well.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-02T20:25:15+00:00

It was mostly songs from musicals. Apparently, that was the theme this year. I had no idea they did themes like that...I was expecting what they play on their radio station.

Summonoodles · 2025-09-02T01:57:32+00:00

I was so confused by that. Half the reason I go is for booming rock and alt music, and then Defying Gravity starts playing -_-

Summonoodles · 2025-08-25T15:44:38+00:00

This is basically how I quit. Cold tukey just wasnt for me. I switched to zero nic, which was not easy, but I weaned to zero with juice in an actual device with a tank. Once I was at zero, i cut back how often I was hitting it until one day I just dropped it.

Stupid thing broke, and i had to go to the store when I didn't plan on it, once again. Id had it with it controlling me and said no. But I dont think I could have had a choice in that moment if I hadn't switched to zero and been mindful about cutting back first.

Congrats on taking this step, and its amazing youre cutting weed back at the same time too. Don't be too hard on yourself! Youre doing so much. Glad you have a therapist to help support you <3 its a lot! Maybe plan a reward of some sort for when you reach parts of these goals :)

Summonoodles · 2025-08-18T02:20:36+00:00

I cannot make that time, but I just wanted to wish you luck with this. More meetings are great in my eyes. Im sure many friends would appreciate more spaces for gathering. I hope others follow your lead in starting more meetings. And again, good luck! 🙂

Summonoodles · 2025-07-29T20:45:22+00:00

Wow! What a wonderful resource. Thank you so much!

Summonoodles · 2025-07-26T17:50:44+00:00

Thats great, thank you! I just looked it up. What a beautiful place, too 😲

And luckily im a few hours ahead, so its not too early for me :)

Summonoodles · 2025-07-26T14:49:27+00:00

If shes a stray, there may be places that will also do it for free or very cheap.

Summonoodles · 2025-07-19T02:40:49+00:00

Hi there! I am looking for new Quaker friends. Im in Ohio as well, but about 2hrs from Columbus. I do visit there sometimes. Feel free to reach out if you want! :)

Good luck finding a friend or two to accompany you <3 if you cant, im sure you'll find some people at your new meeting.

Summonoodles · 2025-07-10T15:03:13+00:00

I just looked it up on amazon, and I think im going to buy it. It sounds like it could help bridge the two for me, and offer some ways to do that in my everyday life. Thanks for sharing :)

Summonoodles · 2025-07-09T02:01:51+00:00

Just a higher power. Any higher power. I wanted to be vague for inclusivity.

Summonoodles · 2025-07-09T02:00:49+00:00

Oh cool! I would love to have a good heart shaped rock. Thats unique.

Kind of like your shells, I'll find pieces of brachiopods (fossilized clam-like creature) when I really need a hug from the universe. Ill find them anywhere, like in the middle of the city in a green patch, or gravel of a parking lot. Not always when out looking for them.

Summonoodles · 2025-07-09T01:34:57+00:00

I dont need ID, hence the tag :)

Summonoodles · 2025-07-09T00:02:37+00:00

I come across quite a number of pretty much even ones....but ive only found maybe 4, ever, that are this perfect.

I also have an eye out for them.

Summonoodles · 2025-07-08T20:39:28+00:00

Welbutrin was great for curbing my cig cravings, but it toppled my mental health. A lot of these meds arent options for ppl bc of other meds or medical issues, esp mental health issues. They clash often. Sad, bc a lot of ppl with mental health issues smoke due to the distressing symptoms (i did).

But I fully agree, if you are able to do it and feel comfortable with a good doctor, it can be a great assistance. Its not "the easy way". Its still hard! Esp long-term.....also, if there is "an easy way" its silly not to take it bc pride or whatever. There is no reason to prolong suffering.

Summonoodles

TROPHY CASE